McNamara's eye in for another shot

The Sligo forwards chance of soccer glory was ruined by injury. Now, like the county footballers, he is aiming to make his mark

MICHAEL McNAMARA doesn’t know if he ever would have made it, but it would have been nice to find out all the same. Class and skill were once his earth wires, all he needed was to make a connection. Then, in an instant, his chance short-circuited in a puff of smoke.

McNamara was only 18 when he made his competitive debut for Sligo Rovers in the Eircom First Division four years ago and, after playing every league game that season, a potential bounty lay on the horizon. A scout from Glasgow Celtic spotted him and a trial awaited at Parkhead in July 2001.

He had thought out his approach carefully, how he would do everything in his power to grasp the opportunity. Then, in an attempt to keep his mind fully content, he decided to top up his fitness.